As Program Success Grows, So Does Student Section 'Monster'
Katelyn Mosier | IUHoosiers.com Student Staff Writer
As Aird Grows Program, Student Support Swells
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana women’s volleyball program has seen tremendous amount of success not only on the court but also in the stands. A team coming off of a 21-12 season in 2023, their best record in over ten years, is only scratching the surface for the growth of the program.
With an already difficult slate of pre-conference games out of the way, the team has continued to set themselves up for success going into Big Ten play. Of all the things that have changed since 2017, the biggest may be right behind them on gameday: the student section.
After getting hired in 2018, head coach Steve Aird had a few goals in mind, one of them being to grow the program not just with wins on the court, but the support around the program. One of the main areas of the growth: the student section inside Wilkinson Hall.
Because of this mindset and excitement, Arid was able to set the program average attendance record in only his second year at 1,809 fans per game and has added multiple sell-out games more recently.
Prior to Arid’s arrival, Indiana ranked No. 72 nationally with an average attendance of 780. Fast forward to 2023 and the program more than doubled that average (1,744) and found itself ranked in the top-50 for national attendance average.
However, Aird and the team believe there is more room for growth and turnout.
“It’s turning into its own kind of monster, which is getting more fun,” said Aird. “And for all that are coming and starting to get a vibe for it, they’ll bring a friend, and it's a pretty cool experience.”
Some of this ‘monster’ that Aird describes includes students dressing up in costumes, an in-house DJ, and the ‘distraction curtain’ for when the other team is serving. Having support from the student section has caught the attention of many people, including the Hoosier players.
Graduate transfer Delaynie Maple may be in her first season with the program, but she already feels the support. The transfer from the University of Southern California played four years of beach volleyball for the Trojans, but notes that having such a supportive fan base has helped fuel the team throughout their matches.
“It’s been so helpful,” said Maple. “It was cool seeing how many people care about this program.”
Coming from the beach volleyball setting, Maple hadn’t had the opportunity to play in front of a large student sections such as the one at Indiana, which creates a special type of environment to be a part of.
Although Aird has his focus on the court on match day, he can feel the support from the students and fans in the stands.
“I don't want anyone to undervalue how important the student section is,” Aird said. “For a player to be in this program, and they turn to see a sea of people who care that about their peers, it’s something amazing.”
Sophomore libero and Indiana native Ramsey Gary shines on the court with her undoubted leadership skills but know what a loud crowd can do for the home team. When talking about the student section, Gary acknowledges the impact the student section has not only on Indiana, but also its opponent.
“It is so hard to play in Wilkinson now (for opposing teams), and the student section is such a huge part in that,” said Gary. “They are able to get in the other teams head a lot.”
With the program continuing to grow, and its student support swelling, the upcoming Big Ten schedule will be nothing short of thrilling inside Wilkinson Hall with the team looking for more success not only on the floor, but also right behind them in the stands.